The transfer window always delivers speculation, excitement, and potential upheaval—especially in the Premier League, where big spending and strategic moves are part of the fabric. Fans, scouts, and bettors alike watch this period closely, and those looking to make bets without GamStop will find the summer’s rumors especially valuable for anticipating shifts in power. With many of the league’s biggest clubs preparing for squad overhauls, the landscape could look very different by the time the first ball is kicked in August.
Manchester United: A Rebuild Under Pressure
Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign fell short of expectations, and club leadership is expected to be aggressive in the market. With a new sporting director appointed and questions surrounding Erik ten Hag’s long-term position, United is targeting several key roles—most urgently, a center-back, a central midfielder, and a reliable striker.
Manchester United Potential Transfer Targets
Position | Player Name | Current Club | Estimated Fee (€M) | Status |
Centre-Back | Jean-Clair Todibo | Nice | 40 | Advanced Talks |
Defensive Mid | João Neves | Benfica | 70 | Scouted |
Striker | Joshua Zirkzee | Bologna | 45 | Agent Contact |
Right Wing | Michael Olise | Crystal Palace | 55 | Interest |
Goalkeeper | Diogo Costa | FC Porto | 65 | Monitored |
The club is particularly focused on Todibo and Zirkzee as they seek long-term replacements for Varane and Martial, respectively. Budget constraints may depend on offloading fringe players such as Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, and Harry Maguire.
Arsenal: Adding Depth, Not Stars
Arsenal’s title challenge came closer this season, with Mikel Arteta’s squad pushing Manchester City to the wire. The Gunners are now seeking depth rather than dramatic change, looking to reinforce positions where fatigue showed in the final months—particularly central midfield and the attack.
The main targets include a backup striker to support Gabriel Jesus, a winger capable of playing on both flanks, and a more dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
Names Linked with Arsenal:
- Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) – Fits Arteta’s style and could rotate with Declan Rice.
- Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) – Young striker with pace and off-the-ball intelligence.
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – Versatile and efficient in 1v1s, fits Arsenal’s wide-play system.
Arsenal fans may not expect big-name arrivals, but tactical fit and squad balance remain the focus.
Chelsea: Yet Another Summer of Change?
Despite heavy spending over the last two years, Chelsea still lacks stability. Mauricio Pochettino has yet to deliver consistency, and the club’s recruitment team appears to be targeting young, high-upside players once again.
One twist this summer could be the departure of Conor Gallagher, which would open the door for another midfield signing. The Blues are also watching developments in France and Germany closely for potential value opportunities.
Targets on Chelsea’s Radar:
- Desire Doue (Rennes)
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli) – Though expensive, could finally answer their striker problem.
- Michael Kayode (Fiorentina) – A modern right-back to challenge Reece James.
Whether Chelsea will finally land a consistent goalscorer remains to be seen. The Osimhen link has persisted through multiple windows, but his price tag may force a rethink.
Liverpool: Quiet Revolution Under New Management
With Arne Slot set to replace Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool will enter a new era. While the core squad remains strong, reinforcements are expected in the defensive midfield and center-back roles. The attack is unlikely to change unless Mohamed Salah leaves.
Liverpool’s strategy often involves early business, and names like Atalanta’s Ederson and Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida are already being mentioned due to Slot’s Eredivisie ties.
Liverpool Watchlist:
- Ederson (Atalanta)
- Inacio (Sporting CP)
- Johan Bakayoko (PSV)
- Geertruida (Feyenoord)
The focus will be on discipline, tactical fluidity, and players who understand Slot’s system or can adapt quickly.
Manchester City: Selective Moves for Sustained Dominance
Having secured another league title, Manchester City won’t make sweeping changes. Pep Guardiola’s recruitment has always focused on quality over quantity. Still, a few gaps could be addressed—especially with Kyle Walker aging and Bernardo Silva reportedly open to a new challenge.
City are known for moving fast and quietly when their targets are clear. Names like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have emerged in early discussions.
Likely Areas for City Strengthening
- Right-back (long-term Walker replacement)
- Midfield creativity (in case of Silva’s departure)
- Versatile winger (to balance Grealish and Doku)
Don’t expect a high volume of transfers, but precision buys that align with City’s strategy are likely.
Tottenham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa: Building on Progress
Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, are likely to spend on defenders and a striker, particularly if Richarlison moves. Newcastle may be forced to sell a key player to remain within FFP limits, while Aston Villa will prioritize squad depth for Champions League football.
Common Targets Among Mid-to-Top Clubs:
- Maxence Lacroix (Wolfsburg)
- Amadou Onana (Everton)
- Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)
- Jaden Philogene (Hull City)
These clubs may not win bidding wars with the traditional Big Six but could still walk away with value additions that impact the standings come next spring.